The Jules Audemars collection from Audemars Piguet has been getting a lot of attention over the last few years. For 2011 a few new models came out including this Moon-Phase Calendar version with a beautifully balanced dial. The Jules Audemars collection has always been about thin cases with elegant designs – formal watches that aren’t stuffy or boring. The last few years of AP Jules Audemars watches really hit the nail on the head for many collectors, and so should this Moon-Phase Calendar version.

For 2011 the watch comes only in 18k rose gold in a 39mm wide Jules Audemars style case. The round case has a sort of bulbous shape with a polished bezel and back, with brushed sides. Inside the Moon-Phase Calendar is the in-house made AP calibre 2324/2825 automatic movement. Functions include an annual calendar with the day and date on dials, and a moon phase indicator. The time has the hour and minutes (no seconds). The layout is beautiful – featuring perfect symmetry and proportioned shapes. The subdials and moon phase indicator are enhanced by being slightly recessed, as well as outlined with a thin polished gold ring. Again, very elegant. Being just 8.8mm thick (the case) and an automatic, this is a fine watch meant for daily wear.

Attached to the watch is a brown crocodile strap which looks handsome with the rose gold. I find it interesting that over the last few years brown has been the model match to gold versus black. Then again, a while ago yellow gold was being matched to black, and rose gold often looks best with a shade of brown. Success with this version of the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Moon-Phase Calendar watch will likely hail in versions with different dial colors and in different shades of gold. I anticipate the price to be in the $20,000 range.